Usage of 接 (jiē)
The character 接 is a versatile verb commonly used in everyday Mandarin. Its core meaning is "to receive" or "to pick up," often used when meeting someone or answering a call. For example, 接电话 means "to answer the phone," and 接人 means "to pick someone up."
接 also expresses the idea of "connecting" or "linking," as in roads or lines connecting to each other (这条路接那条路). This usage is common in describing physical connections or transitions.
Additionally, 接 can mean "to take over" or "to continue" a task or responsibility, such as 接手 (to take over) or 接下来 (next, following). This shows its function in discourse to indicate sequence or succession.
Common Collocations
- 接电话: answer the phone
- 接人: pick someone up
- 接手: take over (a job or responsibility)
- 接下来: next, following
- 接收快递: receive a delivery
Notes
When using 接 to mean "pick up" a person, it usually implies physically meeting them and bringing them somewhere. When used with 电话 (phone), it means to answer or receive a call. Avoid confusing 接 with 收 (shōu), which also means "to receive" but is more about accepting or collecting items rather than meeting or connecting.
接 is neutral in tone and widely used in both formal and informal contexts.